COVID-19: Archbishop Ibezim distributes food items worth several millions

The Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger, Anglican Communion and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Alexander C. Ibezim, PhD, yesterday made a symbolic distribution of food items to Parishes in the diocese as part of measures adopted by the Church to cushion the effects of COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the world.

Anglican diocese of Awka distributed thousands of bags of rice, Noodles, Biscuits, tubers of yam and hand sanitizers at parish and Archdeaconry levels for members.

Making the symbolic presentation of palliatives to cushion the effect of COVID-19 pandemic at Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, inside Emmaus House, Awka, Archbishop Ibezim informed that the Church had already taken care of thousands of its members and would continue to take care of its flock but the demonstration was to encourage others who have not remembered the poor to do so.

While thanking his wife, Mrs Martha Ibezim, the Council of Knights in the diocese and other members of the church who supported the diocesan food apostolate, Archbishop Ibezim tasked his priests not to lose their pastoral relevance in a time like this, adding that the Church must show its relevance to its congregation in this time of challenge.
He called on good spirited individuals in the society to ensure that the poor and not well to do people in the society are not abandoned in this COVID-19 pandemic, even as he urged them to convert their wealth to Kingdom value. He challenged priests to work together for the progress of the Church and humanity as the church should not abandon its congregation.

Archbishop Ibezim reminded the state government not to neglect the role of the church in the society and channel some of its palliatives for the church to attend to its members who are challenged and deprived since so many poor people are in the church. He said he was still waiting for Government palliative for his members.

In her remarks, the President Mothers Union, Women’s Guild and Girls’ Guide Archdiocese of the Niger and Anglican Bishop of Awka, Mrs Martha Chioma Ibezim expressed happiness on the food apostolate by Archbishop Ibezim which she described as a hold step.
Mrs Ibezim who is also the wife of Archbishop of the Niger and Bishop of Awka said the gesture was to show love, concern and care for the poor within the church.
She called on women to use the period of lockdown and sit at home order to rekindle family ties , establish family altars and as well be closer to their spouses and children.

In his vote of thanks on behalf of other Archdeacons, the Chairman diocesan clergy Association, and Archdeacon Ichida Archdeaconry, Ven David Muonanu thanked Archbishop Ibezim for thinking for the poor in the diocese, describing the relief materials as a source of encouragement to the members sequel to the high sufferings in the society now. He lamented that Coronavirus sit at home has exposed many to untold hardship, commending Archbishop Ibezim and wife for puting smiles on the faces of people in the localities.